Albany, NY – Alan talks to Kathleen Troia "KT" McFarland, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense under President Ronald Reagan, who's looking to run against Senator Hillary Clinton in November. Mrs. McFarland talks about her reasons for running against the well-known senator, her appraisal of the situation in Iraq, and the potential role upstate New York can play in the new economy.

By Dan Bobkoff

AMHERST, MA – Microsoft announced another grant today for its continuing high-tech collaboration with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Dan Bobkoff has the story.

Albany, NY – Word For The Wise #2993--05/31/06: The Great American Grump-Out

By Carrie Saldo

Great Barrington, MA – The Massachusetts Democratic State Nominating Convention is scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Worcester. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief, Carrie Saldo, has a report on delegate participation from Western Massachusetts;

By Dan Bobkoff

Easthampton, ma – There will soon be a new luxury apartment community in Easthampton, Massachusetts aimed at gays and Lesbians who want a safe place to settle down. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Dan Bobkoff spoke with its founders.

Albany, NY – IF, AS ONE WRITER HAS SAID, IT'S THE FUNCTION OF ART TO RENEW OUR PERCEPTIONS, THE POETIC ART HAS TRULY FULFILLED THIS FUNCTION FOR LISTENERS TO OUR BARD'S-EYE VIEW SEGMENTS, WITH PAUL ELISHA AND HIS GUESTS.

THIS WAS ESPECIALLY TRUE, WHEN THE RENOWNED POET AND TRANSLATOR OF HISTORIC INDIAN VERSE. R. PARTHASARATHY RECENTLY DROPPED BY FOR A CHAT. HE AND PAUL TOUCHED ON SEVERAL SUBJECTS THAT MIGHT HAVE SEEMED SENSITIVE FOR ADVOCATES OF FAR-RIGHT VALUES BUT PROVED ENGROSSINGLY ENLIGHTENING FOR US.

Albany, NY – Coming up on In Our Backyard: We have some bad news... and some good news for people who are concerned about avian flu. The Tour De Soul heated up Saratoga Springs earlier this month-we'll have some info for you. Also, A living fossil was discovered by French scientists who were exploring the Coral Sea this month. Air Date:5/30/06

By Jessica Bloustein

Albany, NY – Thirteen nursing homes throughout New York state have begun to get rid of unused beds and reconfigure services. The move is part of Governor George Pataki's initiative to fit elder care in the state to the needs of a changing senior citizen population. WAMC's Capital District Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein has this report:

By Jessica Bloustein

Albany, NY – Republican/Conservative New York Gubernatorial hopeful John Faso accepted the endorsement of State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco Tuesday morning. Faso is neck-and-neck with opponent and former Massachusetts Governor William Weld for the Republican nomination, to be decided this week on Long Island. WAMC's Capital District Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein reports:

Albany, NY – Laurie Weatherbee's Book Loft picks for 5/30/06:

* Owen and Mzee by Isabelle Hatkoff
* Mama by Jeanette Winter
* Once I Ate A Pie by Patricia Maclachlan
* My Father The Dog by Elizabeth Bluemle
* Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock
* Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
* Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge

The Bookloft - Great Barrington, Massachusetts